Ernest Cox: The Dedication of an Extraordinary Man

Ernest Cox: Dedicated to Education, Dedicated to the Community

Some may not appreciate it, but education bears a fundamental significance in the structure of the local and wider community. Unsurprisingly, many advocates dedicate their time willingly to the wellbeing of education. Furthermore, they strive to improve education as much as possible for the children of today who will make the difference for tomorrow.

But among many, one person worked tirelessly on behalf of education in the local Billericay area. His kind and co-operative character gained him respect from many fellow residents and his death comes as a sudden and upsetting occurrence. But amid his death on Friday 5th February 2010, at the age of 83, I strongly feel that we should take it upon ourselves to consider the consistent hard work that Ernest Walter Cox demonstrated on a daily basis and show our undivided appreciation for the man who always had a place in his wholesome heart for the community.

But you may wonder to yourself, what has Ernest Cox’s life entailed to gain a much respected authority within this thriving community?

Here is an account into his extraordinary life.

Born on 9th February 1926 in Grays, Ernest’s secondary education begun in 1937 at the Palmers Endowed School, before commencing to university in 1943. His initial goal was to become a teacher and two years after leaving university, his dream became a reality.

Soon after, he made a definitive mark in the field of education by becoming a headmaster for the first time at East Tilbury Primary School in 1956 as one of the youngest headmasters in Essex. His experience then gave him the opportunity to become the headmaster of Sunnymede School, located in Billericay. This was a position he took with undeniable enthusiasm in 1963 and was then highlighted by this long standing services to Sunnymede School. This was a sparkling role which lasted a uniquely respectable 25 years. This achievement was later recognised by the Essex County Council Education Authority, who thanked him with a letter of appreciation for his services which spanned an incredible 43 years, 32 of which were as a headmaster and was deservedly noted as the longest serving headmaster in Essex, a legacy which still stands today.

Ernest’s retirement from education followed in 1983. But little did we expect that he would continue to provide support and enthusiasm to the education of the local community. It seemed that no matter what the circumstances, Ernest was not going to stand down, but instead use his experience and knowledge to change education for the benefit and enjoyment of students.

As well as being a well known patriot to local education, he had a thriving family life. He married Renee Cox in 1962, who both had children named Sandy and Graham. Then in 1998, an elated Ernest received the news that he was a grandfather to Thomas. It would be wrong to think otherwise that Ernest, being the man he was, had a loving family who encouraged him to continue his services to education as well as being a caring and thoughtful man.

Following his retirement he became a Governor of Mayflower County High School and later a Chairman of the Board of Governors.

Ernest also implanted a massive impact on the teaching of maths in local schools. He published a book, in conjunction with the mathematics panel of Essex, called ‘The Impacts of Modern Mathematics in Primary Schools’, which is used in many schools across Essex and was lectured by Ernest on many occasions.

Amazingly, Ernest also showed passion for numerous committees such as the Advancement of State Education and the Billericay Education Trust. One significant committee he was immensely passionate for was the Billericay Rotary Club, an organisation which supports community based events and works on behalf of disadvantaged countries across the world. During his time with Billericay Rotary Club he was the President, Secretary, Almoner and chairman of the vocational committee.

Many of the now popular programmes in schools such as the Mock Interviews for Schools Leavers and other various competitions available such as Young Chef of the Year, Young Inventor of the Year and Young Speaker of the Year, as well as other public speaking competitions in the area have all been due to Ernest’s hard work. This is something which has definitely inspired young people and encouraged them to do well through a different and more enjoyable scheme of work and activity.

As an overwhelming contributor to the community and education, Ernest was awarded the prestigious and honourable Paul Harris Award for dedicated services in 1996. This award stands as a strong testament to the sort of man Ernest Cox was.

Unfortunately, in a world like today we always take things for granted. We have blended into a typical lifestyle which encompasses a variety of facilities, with education being one of many. But, in every sense of the word, Ernest Cox was no typical man. He embodied the true spirit of the community and personified the infamous Rotary Club motto; ‘Service Above Self’.

Obviously, a man of Ernest’s quality will be sorely missed and we should all pay our upmost gratitude and respects. But his legacy can still go on. I know, and I certainly hope that you know, that Ernest’s intentions lied solely on the wellbeing of education. This clearly shows the importance and fundamental significance of education and how it can present an incredible affect on many people’s lives.

Ernest would have only wanted for every child to achieve their hopes and ambitions. His contributions have provided a plateau for many people to develop in their skills. So to waste an opportunity like education would certainly oppose what Ernest so dearly stood for.

So just remember, you only have one life and whether you choose to make the most of it or not is your decision. But I do know one particular fact that is completely true without a shadow of doubt…

Ernest made the most of his.

By Alexander Tyldesley